Illinois soybeans help with nutrition in Nicaragua

Illinois soybeans are being used to fight hunger around the globe. (Photo courtesy Illinois Soybean Association)

Morton farmer Dan Farney spent some time in Nicaragua this week at a corporate responsibility conference coordinated by the World Soy Foundation Board and Cargill.

“The main topic is feeding school children in that country, and trying to include soy protein in their local diets to help them get a nutritious meal at least once a day,” said Farney, who serves as Illinois Soybean Association District 5 Director.

Private groups like the World Soy Foundation and the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) program have been working in this area for eight or nine years.  The main goal is market development and better nutrition.

“We want to see soy used in human foods wherever we can, and we want to see U.S. soy being used,” said Farney.

In addition to private efforts, the United States government is also involved, providing grants through the USDA.

“There is just a lot of need throughout the world, that we believe the protein from soy could be a big help,” said Farney.

Farney said there are several positives to these kinds of efforts.

“The biggest thing that we want to do is to be a neighbor and give back to the countries around us and be a help.  And by doing that and using soy, we believe is a great format for helping kids, helping the people in the countries to feel good about the U.S.  The whole thing, I think, is a big win for both of us,” said Farney.

To hear the interview with Dan Farney, click here:

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Carrie Muehling can be reached at carrie@wjbc.com.